Union Agriculture Minister visits ICAR-NRC on Mithun in Medziphema
DIMAPUR, AUGUST 7 (MExN): Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare, Radha Mohan Singh today called for conservation efforts towards the protection of Mithuns in Nagaland.
He stated this while laying the foundation stone of a Training–cum-Guest House facility at ICAR-NRC on Mithun at Jharnapani, Medziphema. He also unveiled a statue of the Mithun in the campus.
During the event, a model for semi-intensive system of Mithun rearing and the technologies generated by the institute during the last 28 years was presented. In his speech, the Minister said that the institute is working towards the development of technology for scientific rearing of Mithun that has not only helped in the conservation of biodiversity and the rich cultural heritage of the region, but also contributed to the economic development and ecological stability of the NE states.
Communities in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur are closely involved in rearing of this bovine species, called `Mithun’. Even though the Mithun may be genetically different from other bovine species, it has a genetic resemblance with its ancestor `gaur’.
The total population of mithun in the country is about 3 lakh, of which, Nagaland accounts for 12%. Looking into this meagre population, the Minister said there is a great need for putting in breeding and conservation efforts in this direction.
Singh stated that in order to bring stability in the horticulture- based farming system, animal integration is essential. “Though our country possesses the largest number of milch animals in the world, yet their productivity is one of the lowest, which calls for efforts to enhance the productivity. Keeping these points in view, the Government of India has initiated schemes like Rashtriya Gokul Mission, Pasudhan Mission and Pasu Chikitsa Yojna under which efforts are being made to conserve and further develop the indigenous breeds of cattle,” Singh said.
Earlier, Nagaland State Chief Minister, TR Zeliang stated that Mithun is the most precious animal for its majestic look and is considered as ‘black gold’ as it is presented at the time of marriage ceremony, being sacrificed at some ceremonies and is the animal which fetches maximum price compared to any other domesticated livestock used for meat purpose.
Mithun is the state symbol of Nagaland and also in the official seal of Nagaland. It also helps in conservation of forest as it requires a larger area, thus reducing the impact of climate change and global warming.
The CM declared that ‘Mithun Day’ will be observed by the Government of Nagaland along with the other Mithun rearing states and the date will be announced very soon. He also announced that the Department of Veterinary & Animal Husbandry already started sanctioning the Mithun project. He urged all people to put together their efforts to preserve the Mithun.
Director, ICAR-NRC on Mithun, Dr. Abhijit Mitra, welcomed all the dignitaries and highlighted the significant achievements of the Institute like semi-intensive system of Mithun rearing under field condition and potential of mithun for meat, milk and drought power. Vikhrutu Rume, a local artist was appreciated on this occasion for designing the cover page of the Annual report-2015-16.
Later, Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Secretary DARE and Director General, ICAR had an interaction with the scientists and staff of the institute. He reviewed the ongoing research work and discussed about the staff. He emphasized that ICAR-NRC on Mithun should work towards characterization, genetic improvement and conservation of Mithun to work for genetic characterization, genetic improvement and conservation.
Naga Hoho asks Union Minister to establish more agri & allied colleges
A four member Naga Hoho delegation met Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Radha Mohan Singh on August 7 at Police House, Chumukedima, Dimapur.
The delegation pleaded that the college of VS&AH in Nagaland should be allowed to have its own CAU and not under any state. It lamented that the college of VS&AH has been granted to Nagaland under the CAU, Imphal, “which is not at all feasible for obvious reasons.”
The delegation further pleaded upon the Union Minister to establish more colleges under Agri & allied sector in Nagaland in the near future.
They meanwhile expressed appreciation for granting and establishment of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry at Jalukie.
The recent approval by the Union Cabinet towards the amendment of Central Agricultural University (CAU) Act, 1992 for inclusion of Nagaland under the jurisdiction of the CAU is laudable, the Naga Hoho stated.
